A journey on the way of understanding and achieving the balance between the three components of (1) the belief in fatalism “ القضاء والقدر“, (2) the personal capacity and freedom of will and choice, and (3) the accountability for our actions. A discussion on the benefits for maintaining such upright understanding in both this worldly life and Hereafter and its effect on both the personal and communal levels. How can we as Muslims living in such very materialistic world deal with these 3 components and benefit from the correct balance between them?

A question often asked when times are tough. A question that occupies our time and our minds. A question that often confuses us, despite the simple answer. How can we understand the wisdom behind the actions of Allah ﷻ, His qadar, and His rules? How can we understand the wisdom behind facing hardships? How should we balance between submitting to Allah’s ﷻ decrees and exhausting our resources in pursuit of changing our tough reality?

In a serene courtyard of a madressah in Northern New Mexico, Abdal Hakim Murad sits down for an informal address on the topic of having peace and contentment with the decree of Allah. He reflects upon his experiences of the ummah over the years and describes how it became apparent that Muslims in modern times are neglecting this traditional virtue, thereby causing widespread agitation and insecurity. Whereas previous generations cultivated this virtue to their own success, today’s ummah seems to be neglecting it to their own demise. Abdal Hakim, a British convert, probes the matter in-depth and shows how the absence of contentment in one’s life can lead to serious defects such as self-righteousness, anger and suspicion of others. The more widespread effect of such a void is an ummah lacking direction, unity and credibility on the world stage. This shrewd observation serves as a great starting point for individual revival and, on the collective level, prescribes the perspective necessary for prevailing over the tribulations facing the ummah today. Other topics discussed: Islamic theology vs. the problem of evil, contentment in the prophets’ lives, the virtue of mercy, scholars as guides, strength in numbers, optimism, and the need for having a sound heart. (Duration: 1 hour, 4 min)

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf reads and comments on a chapter from a classical text over 400 years old called “Al Maktobat” by Shaykh Ahmad al Farooqi al Sirindi which discusses being content with the decree of Allah.

Is the glass half empty or half full? It is a common expression, used rhetorically to indicate that a particular situation could be a cause for optimism (half-full) or pessimism (half-empty). The answer to this question has nothing to do with the liquid in the glass, but has everything to do with perceptions and attitude. Ustadh Usama Canon discusses about the role of submission and reliance upon Allah, and relate how hope and reliance upon Allah Almighty is directly related to personal strength and perseverance.